VISITORS from far and wide flocked to Hatherleigh Livestock Centre last Thursday for a prominent beef show including a delegation of French beef buyers and producers. Buyers from the French Intermarche were able to see for themselves the premium quality beef cattle at the second Beef and Growing Cattle South West event. The event brings together producers, processors, butchers and associated businesses to showcase the high quality beef produced in the region. The show, which has expanded significantly since being held for the first time two years ago, unashamedly flies the flag for British beef. Chairman of Okehampton and Hatherleigh NFU Malcolm Light, who farms at Ashbury, said the event was a very prestigious one for Hatherleigh to be hosting ? and was extremely beneficial for local farmers. Mr Light said: ?The biggest challenge facing the beef industry is getting fully back into the market place, having been excluded from exports in the last ten years, we have to regain our customers. ?We need to get the message out to the consumer that slower matured, grass-fed beef is not only more tasty, it is also more healthy for them.? Mr Light said the event was a chance for farmers to come and find out about ?new ideas and the latest technology? in the industry. He said the role of abattoirs in the processing chain should not be underestimated. ?We have got to retain our local abattoirs. They are literally our bloodline,? he said. Experts spoke at a range of seminars held during the day including discussion on possible solutions to the TB problem, the future of the export market and the importance of cattle health and nutrition. Recent months have seen an upturn in prices with farmers now getting in excess of 200p per kilo for their beef, but many feel there is still some way to go to achieve a fair price. However, Richard Phelps, from Southern Counties Fresh Food, said the mood of the industry was upbeat. ?This show is completely unique,? he said. ?This is the most positive group of farmers in the South West. I think the rest of the country needs to know how hard they fight for their corner down here.? Cllr James McInnes, himself a farmer until five years ago, was on the West Devon Borough Council stand at the show. Cllr McInnes said West Devon was one of the largest, most rural local authorities in the country, and it was important the council made sure it connected with the rural community. To this end, Cllr McInnes said the Agri-BIP scheme was available to offer business support and advice to those farming in the borough. Strawberry Fields at Lifton was among the local exhibitors at the show, returning after winning a prize for best stand at the inaugural event. Owner Jo Mounce said the show gave the business a chance to promote its new ice cream range as well as its meat. The major breed societies were at the show featuring pedigree and cross cattle which generated tremendous interest from visitors. A special primestock show was staged for the first time, including a young farmers stock judging class. Producers were also able to gain an insight into boning and butchering skills as well as enjoying the Meat South West Butcher of the Year competition. The event also gave the opportunity for the National Beef Association to unveil a five point plan for the future of the South West beef industry. The Association will be encouraging people to sign up to their manifesto; its five points are: l cost of production and corporate responsibility ? farmers must persuade processors to pay an amount per kilo above the cost of production. l marketing and brand development to increase market share ? there is a need to increase the percentage of branded South West beef in the retail and food service sectors. l CAP reform and the environmental benefits of beef suckler grazing ? the need of administration to recognise the crucial importance of suckler cow grazing. l herd health improvements to reduce the cost of production ? all breeding stock should be clearly classified and vaccinated or tested before movement. l TB pre-movement testing and poor cost efficiency ? the current system of pre-movement testing is said to be an inefficient method of preventing the spread of bovine tuberculosis.
